Potent Hepatitis C Virus Inhibitors Show Efficacy and Potential for Once Daily Dosing in Preclinical Studies
Data Presented at the 2nd Annual International Workshop on Hepatitis C

Resistance & New Compounds

WATERTOWN, Mass., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers from Enanta
Pharmaceuticals today presented data on novel Hepatitis C protease
inhibitors with potent antiviral activity in the cell-based replicon assay
and favorable pre-clinical pharmacokinetic properties with the potential
for once-daily dosing in humans.
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases a person's chances of developing
chronic liver disease, and affects more than 170 million people worldwide.
Current treatment options are not sufficient. Specifically targeted
antiviral therapies for HCV, such as NS3/4a protease inhibitors, may have
the potential to increase the proportion of patients in whom the virus can
be eradicated.
The abstract, "Potent HCV protease inhibitors with the potential for
once-daily dosing," was presented today in a session focused on protease
inhibitors at 8:30 a.m. during the 2nd Annual International Workshop on
Hepatitis C Resistance & New Compounds in Boston.
"These compounds have demonstrated remarkable potency in the antiviral
replicon assay and favorable pre-clinical pharmacokinetic properties
supporting the potential for once-daily dosing in humans," said Yat Sun Or,
Senior Vice President, Research and Development of Enanta Pharmaceuticals.
"These data demonstrate our commitment to the discovery of next-generation
protease inhibitors that will enhance the treatment options for patients
who are infected with hepatitis C."
Abbott and Enanta Pharmaceuticals formed a collaboration in 2006 to
develop and commercialize HCV protease inhibitors. The partnership
leverages Abbott's innovative work in the protease inhibitor field against
the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and leadership in the area of
antiviral therapies and Enanta's core expertise in chemistry and drug
discovery. The HCV NS 3/4A serine protease is the focus of the
collaboration.
About Hepatitis C Virus
Hepatitis C is a liver disease affecting over 170 million people
worldwide. The virus is spread through direct contact with the blood of an
infected person. Hepatitis C increases a person's risk of developing
chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. Liver disease
associated with HCV infection is growing rapidly, and current therapies
only provide sustained benefit in about half of patients with the genotype1
form of the virus.
About Enanta
Enanta Pharmaceuticals is a research and development company that uses
its novel chemistry approach and drug discovery capabilities to create best
in class small molecule drugs in the anti-infective field. At the heart of
Enanta is its commitment to innovative chemistry that surpasses traditional
medicinal chemistry approaches. Enanta is developing novel protease and
polymerase inhibitors targeted against the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Additionally, the Company has created a new class of macrolide antibiotics,
called Bicyclolides that overcomes bacterial resistance. Antibacterial
focus areas include superbugs, respiratory tract infections, and
intravenous and oral treatments for hospital and community MRSA. Enanta is
a privately held company with offices in Watertown, MA. More information
about the company can be found at www.enanta.com.
Enanta Contact
For Enanta Investor Relations, please contact:
Paul Mellett
617-607-0761
For Enanta Public Relations, please contact:
Jennifer Greenleaf
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
508-647-0209